Brazilian Journal of Science
Not a member yet
400 research outputs found
Sort by
Low-cost soil moisture sensor calibration
Get PDFBrazil has been experiencing several instabilities regarding the climate. There is a great climatological variation in the cultures that have been suffering drastically from this stress, mainly water. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly and efficiently check the soil moisture rate, before any operation in the field, avoiding production losses and unnecessary extra expenses for the producer. Methods for measuring soil moisture are extremely important for carrying out adequate irrigation, thus optimizing water resources and saving water. Humidity directly affects seed quality, germination rate and crop yield, other unit operations. In this study the low-cost WeMos sensor was evaluated regarding its efficiency and possible calibration in comparison to high-cost equipment with an average of US$: 405,75 dollars. The gravimetric method was used to calibrate the sensor, which consists of sample preparation, drying, determination of its mass and evaluation calculation. The gravimetric method was used to calibrate the sensor, which consists of sample preparation, drying, determination of its mass and evaluation calculation. From the data obtained, the equation was used, which was first inserted into the programming carried out in the Arduino system transmitted to the WeMos sensor. The results obtained by the WeMos sensor were consistent with the gravimetric humidity results obtained. It is concluded that the WeMos Arduino sensor presents reliability in sampled data and that it is an economically viable option for rural producers who need to obtain an answer regarding the humidity of the planting soil
Skin lesions associated with invasive devices in highly complex neonatal and pediatric patients
Get PDFThe skin is the largest organ of the human body. It has three layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis performs multiple functions in the body, standing out as a defensive barrier and internal integrity in addition to containing the evasion of moisture, and exogenous substances. Injury is by definition any interruption in the continuity of the skin regardless of its extent and may be chronic or acute. A newborn's skin is delicate and vulnerable, and the use of invasive devices in highly complex care can negatively affect its integrity. This review study addressed data from Brazilian research on newborn skin in intensive hospital treatment units. The studies evaluated were obtained from the SciELO, Medline and Lilacs, Google Scholar and Elsevier databases. The inclusion criteria were articles, monographs, dissertations and theses published in the period between 2018 and 2023, in Portuguese with a pre-established theme, and the exclusion criteria were articles, monographs, dissertations and repeated theses, incomplete manuscripts and with unauthorized access free of charge. As results, 3 categories were obtained: Category 1 – Main causes of skin lesions in newborns and highly complex children. Category 2- Prevention measures in newborns and highly complex children with skin lesions. Category 3- Highly complex skin care strategies for newborns and children. It is evident that due to the high susceptibility of newborns and children to develop highly complex skin lesions, it requires greater attention from the nursing team. Early detection of the risk of skin lesions and the use of prophylaxis enable a better quality of life for newborns hospitalized in high complexity, avoiding and minimizing skin lesions caused by the care provided
First report of Laternea dringii, Phallales (Agaricomycetes) in the Central-West, State of Goiás, Brazil
Get PDFLaternea dringii, a species of the phylum Basidiomycota, is notable for its distribution in tropical and neotropical regions. This study, conducted in the Cerrado area of Central-West Brazil, State of Goiás, reports the first record of L. dringii in this region. The study site, a farm with over 90 years of agricultural production, features moist soils rich in organic matter. In January 2024, specimens of L. dringii were collected, photographed, and identified using microscopic data and a key for the genus Laternea. This finding represents a significant expansion in the known distribution of L. dringii, previously documented only in Mexico and some Brazilian states. The discovery underscores the mycological diversity of the Brazilian Cerrado and contributes to a better understanding of the geographical distribution of fungi from the phylum Basidiomycota in Brazil
Uso de drone para o auxílio na avaliação de ensaios de soja: Mini-Revisão
No full textRural producers are increasingly investing in technologies that allow them to produce more in less time, without the need to increase the planting area or the amount of input used. To this end, the use of technology tools has guaranteed efficiency in productivity and improved time, labor and decision making. The development of technologies focusing on drones has contributed to land use analyzes in precision agriculture. The objective of this study is to discuss, through a literature review, the use of drones to help evaluate soybean trials. The results demonstrate that drones have been widely used in soybean cultivation with varied applications and excellent results. Drones have been used to improve production, environmental preservation, economic sustainability, savings in the acquisition of fertilizers and agricultural pesticides, for monitoring areas, among other contributions to rural areas, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the production process and resulting in production economy. The importance of carrying out studies to demonstrate the advantage of using drones in soybean cultivation and disseminating knowledge in rural areas is highlighted, bringing knowledge to producers about the chain of agents involved, ranging from manufacturers to the final consumer.Os produtores rurais estão investindo cada vez mais em tecnologias que permitem produzir mais em menos tempo, sem que haja a necessidade de se aumentar a área de plantio ou a quantidade de insumo utilizado. Para tanto, o uso das ferramentas tecnologias tem garantido eficiência na produtividade e melhoria de tempo, mão de obra e tomada de decisões. O desenvolvimento de tecnologias com foco nos drones tem contribuído para análises de uso da terra na agricultura de precisão. O objetivo desse estudo é discorrer através da revisão de literatura sobre a utilização de drone o auxílio da avaliação dos ensaios de soja. Os resultados demonstram que os drones tem sido amplamente utilizado na cultura da soja com aplicações variadas e excelentes resultados. Os drones tem sido usado para melhorar a produção, preservação ambiental, sustentabilidade econômica, economia na aquisição de fertilizantes e defensivos agrícolas, para o monitoramento de áreas, entre outras contribuições para o meio rural, garantindo eficiência e eficácia ao processo de produção e resultando em economia de produção. Destaca-se a importância da realização de estudos para demonstrar a vantajosidade do uso de drones na cultura da soja e difundir o conhecimento no meio rural, levando conhecimento aos produtores sobre a cadeia de agentes envolvidos, que vão desde os fabricantes até o consumidor final
“How do I tell the story?”: Exploring sexual harassment and victimization among male students in Nigerian universities
No full textThe paper investigated the phenomenon of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It however differs from the well-trodden path of perceiving sexual harassment as limited to the female gender. Sexual harassment is an old phenomenon that has ravaged societies and institutions for decades but has not yet been fully comprehended as a problem afflicting both genders in the society. Conventionally, sexual harassment was perceived as tool used by men to exhibit dominance over women. Incidentally, the paper utilizing qualitative methods of study discovered that even men (mainly male students and men in lower positions in organizations) experienced sexual harassment at one point or another in their lives. It also found out that these experiences are hardly reported or investigated. This situation derives mainly from the patriarchal nature of the African society where men are not socialized to express their pains and emotions openly as the society sees men as the stronger gender. In view of the foregoing, the paper makes a strong case for the utilization of social work approach among other strategies in tackling the problems faced by these silent victims of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.O artigo investigou o fenómeno do assédio sexual em instituições terciárias na Nigéria. No entanto, difere do caminho já trilhado de perceber o assédio sexual como limitado ao género feminino. O assédio sexual é um fenómeno antigo que tem devastado sociedades e instituições durante décadas, mas ainda não foi totalmente compreendido como um problema que afecta ambos os géneros na sociedade. Convencionalmente, o assédio sexual era percebido como uma ferramenta utilizada pelos homens para demonstrar domínio sobre as mulheres. Aliás, o artigo que utilizou métodos qualitativos de estudo descobriu que mesmo os homens (principalmente estudantes do sexo masculino e homens em posições inferiores nas organizações) sofreram assédio sexual num momento ou outro das suas vidas. Constatou também que essas experiências dificilmente são relatadas ou investigadas. Esta situação deriva principalmente da natureza patriarcal da sociedade africana, onde os homens não são socializados para expressar abertamente as suas dores e emoções, uma vez que a sociedade vê os homens como o género mais forte. Tendo em conta o que precede, o artigo defende fortemente a utilização da abordagem do serviço social, entre outras estratégias, para resolver os problemas enfrentados por estas vítimas silenciosas de assédio sexual em instituições terciárias
Possíveis direções para aumentar a eficiência do sistema de saúde por meio do desenvolvimento de software
Get PDFIn the modern world, software is practically inevitable and present everywhere. Today, software represents the key to the success of most computer systems and at the same time the differentiation factor of the organizations that own it. Software has become an essential component in healthcare decision-making and the basis of scientific research and healthcare problem solving. The development of microprocessors enabled the widespread infiltration of computers into biomedical instruments for measuring, monitoring and displaying a number of parameters in physiology, clinic, radiology, nuclear medicine, laboratories and others. Digital communication techniques have enabled the networking of computers and the exchange of large amounts of information needed by expert systems to improve the quality of decision-making.En el mundo moderno, el software es prácticamente inevitable y está presente en todas partes. Hoy en día, el software representa la clave del éxito de la mayoría de los sistemas informáticos y al mismo tiempo el factor diferenciador de las organizaciones que lo poseen. El software se ha convertido en un componente esencial en la toma de decisiones de atención médica y en la base de la investigación científica y la resolución de problemas de atención médica. El desarrollo de microprocesadores permitió la infiltración generalizada de computadoras en instrumentos biomédicos para medir, monitorear y mostrar una variedad de parámetros en fisiología, clínica, radiología, medicina nuclear, laboratorios y más. Las técnicas de comunicación digital permitieron la interconexión de computadoras y el intercambio de grandes cantidades de información necesaria para que los sistemas expertos mejoren la calidad de la toma de decisiones.No mundo moderno, o software é praticamente inevitável e está presente em todos os lugares. Hoje, o software representa a chave do sucesso da maioria dos sistemas informáticos e ao mesmo tempo o fator de diferenciação das organizações que o detêm. O software tornou-se um componente essencial na tomada de decisões em saúde e a base da pesquisa científica e resolução de problemas de saúde. O desenvolvimento de microprocessadores permitiu a infiltração generalizada de computadores em instrumentos biomédicos para medir, monitorar e exibir uma série de parâmetros em fisiologia, clínica, radiologia, medicina nuclear, laboratórios e outros. As técnicas de comunicação digital possibilitaram a interligação de computadores e a troca de grandes quantidades de informações necessárias aos sistemas especialistas para melhorar a qualidade da tomada de decisão
Examining quantum gravity's effects on gravitational rainbows
No full textThis paper delves into the fundamental implications of quantum gravity on gravitational rainbows, an intriguing phenomenon resulting from the interaction between quantum mechanics and gravity. We explore the theoretical underpinnings of quantum gravity and how they affect light bending around enormous objects, providing insight into the phenomenon known as gravitational rainbows. We investigate the complex interplay between quantum gravity and gravitational events by thoroughly analyzing theoretical models, experimental findings, and computer simulations, providing insights into the essence of the cosmos. The results show that according to the basic theories of light propagation, light moves along the x-axis at a constant speed based on observing a straight-line route between the affine parameters and the x-coordinate. The analysis of shifting gravitational potentials reveals significant influences on the routes taken by light beams traveling through gravitational fields. The impact of quantum gravitational effects is emphasized by the gravitational potential spreading outward, reaching magnitudes of 10 × 1011 and decreasing towards zero outward. Moreover, the gravitational disturbance distribution is closest to the coordinate system center, with minor perturbations in the z-direction, especially in ℎxx and ℎyy. This distribution highlights how gravitational influences vary throughout space. Finally, the analysis shows that, due to a decrease in the impact parameter, the deflection angle of light increases as the angle of incidence lowers. Additionally, the deflection angle is directly influenced by the mass of the deflecting objects, suggesting a proportionate link between mass and deflection. These findings advance our knowledge of gravitational events in astrophysical and cosmological contexts and offer insight into how light behaves in gravitational fields
Gis-base derivation of land surface temperatures from 2000 to 2022 in Abakaliki LGA, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
No full textThe escalating rise in Land Surface Temperatures poses severe climate risks globally. However, quantifying local warming patterns and associated vulnerabilities remains crucial, particularly in data-scarce regions like sub-Saharan Africa. This study harnesses the power of multi-temporal Landsat thermal imagery, calibrated with gridded meteorological reanalysis, to characterize the shifts in the thermal landscape of Abakaliki, Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, over a two-decade period from 2000 to 2022. The retrieved Land Surface Temperatures were classified into five distinct regimes and compared using zonal statistics, further regressed against climatic drivers. The results unveil a significant surface warming trend, with average temperatures soaring by 15°C and minimum temperatures rising over 16 °C. Notably, the spatial heterogeneity of these impacts is mediated by surface properties, while the compression of inter-annual variability signifies a diminishing thermal resilience. Preliminary regression analysis attributes the primary causality to anthropogenic forcing, exacerbating regional climate shifts, with a robust coefficient of determination (R² = 0.86) and a statistically significant p-value (p < 0.05). Alarmingly, the amplified nocturnal temperatures now persistently exceed hazardous thresholds of 30 °C, posing mounting risks to human health, agriculture, and ecosystems, necessitating adaptive interventions. Furthermore, this observational approach underscores the indispensable role of integrated Earth observations and statistical modeling in characterizing local climate change impacts, mechanisms, and feedback, particularly in areas where in-situ monitoring networks are sparse. Ultimately, the study provides policy-relevant insights into the transformed thermal conditions that resilience strategies must now address to safeguard livelihoods under the rapid climate shifts unfolding across southeastern Nigeria and comparable environments
Haemato-biochemical indices and immune response of grower pigs fed enzyme supplemented dried cassava peel and maize cob composite meal
No full textThis study was carried out to examine the haemato-biochemical and immune response of grower pigs fed enzyme supplemented dried cassava peel and maize cob composite meal (CPMCM). A total of 36 crossbreed male grower pigs (Large white) of about 16 weeks old were randomly distributed into four groups of nine animals per treatment. Each treatment was further divided into three replicates consisting of three pigs in a completely randomized design. Pigs in treatment 1 were fed 0% CPMCM while CPMCM was used to replace maize at 40% (T2), 50% (T3) and 60% in T4. Examination of phyto-constituents in CPMCM showed that it contains alkaloids, tannins, saponins, cyanide, phenols and flavonoids at 20.05 mg/kg-1, 9.06 mg/kg-1, 10.04 mg/kg-1, 15.03 mg/kg-1, 8.92 mg/kg-1 and 14.11 mg/kg-1 respectively. Haematological results revealed that red blood cell, pack cell volume, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell, monocytes and lymphocytes were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the treatment except for basophils count (p > 0.05). Total protein, total bilirubin, glucose, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase values were significantly different among the treatment (p < 0.05) except for cholesterol and urea levels. It was concluded that all the blood parameters evaluated were within the established range for healthy pigs and dietary replacement of cassava peel and maize cob composite meal (CPMCM) with maize up to 60% pose no deleterious effect on the health of the animals
Phytochemical prospecting, vitamins, total phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase activities of Scleroderma citrinum Persoon (Sc) mushroom extract
No full textScleroderma is a genus of Gasteromycetes and Basidiomycota mushrooms in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to evaluate the ethanolic extract of the mushroom Scleroderma citrinum regarding phytochemical prospecting, vitamin, phenolic, and total flavonoid content, and antioxidant (FRAP and DPPH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activities. Fruiting bodies of S. citrinum were collected and the ethanolic extract was produced by maceration. Phytochemical prospecting was performed for several phytochemical groups using colorimetric means; the content of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E was obtained qualitatively by colorimetric methods, the content of phenolic and flavonoids by the colorimetric method and quantification by spectrophotometry. The spectrophotometric method performed the antioxidant activity in reducing FRAP and DPPH radicals by spectrophotometry and the acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity. Seventeen positive phytochemical groups were observed, the qualitative presence of vitamins of the A, B, and D complexes, 195.03 mg GAE g-1 of total phenolics, 93.10 mg QE g-1 of total flavonoids, FRAP reduction of 3.941 µM TE g-1, DPPH reduction of 127.78 µg mL-1 and AChE inhibition of 55.6%. The extract of the mushroom Scleroderma citrinum proved to be rich in phytocompounds, vitamins, and important biological antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition effects